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Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DPW) recently announced the completion of reconstruction work on Crum Elbow Road (CR 41) between Cardinal Road and Matuk Drive in the Town of Hyde Park. The road officially reopened to traffic on September 1st, on time and under budget.

On Saturday, several county and local officials, project workers, and community members gathered at Crum Elbow Road with the family of Claudio Coppola to remember and honor the life of the Hyde Park teenager who tragically died in a single-car accident in 2012. A portion of the newly reconstructed roadway was dedicated as Claudio Coppola Memorial Highway.

“I thank our DPW Engineering Division team, contractor partners, and the County Legislature for working together to make needed safety improvements to this highly trafficked roadway. We join with the Coppola family in remembering and honoring the life of Claudio. While his life was cut far too short, his spirit lives on forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. The Coppola family represents how our community can come together even in times of great sorrow to help others in need,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

Claudio’s parents, Luigi and Lisa Coppola, said, “We are grateful to the County for making this road reconstruction project a priority to ensure other tragedies can be prevented and safety for motorists is kept paramount. The Claudio Coppola Memorial Highway will forever serve as a reminder of Claudio’s spirit and love for life.”

Dutchess County DPW worked closely with design consultant, Erdman Anthony Engineering Associates, and contractor, W.M. Schultz Construction, Inc., to ensure the project was completed on schedule and under budget. Reconstruction began in the spring and involved several enhancements to improve roadway safety and minimize seasonal flooding. As part of the reconstruction, the road was raised slightly, drainage systems were replaced, shoulders were expanded, and new guide rails, pavement, signs, striping and a stabilized highway embankment under the road were installed. Crum Elbow Road averages approximately 8,100 vehicles per day.